Shimkus Visits Crisis Nursery

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Published on March 19 2019 2:35 pm
Last Updated on March 19 2019 2:35 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

(CRISIS NURSERY OF EFFINGHAM COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MEGHAN REWERS TALKS WITH CONGRESSMAN JOHN SHIMKUS DURING A VISIT TO THE NURSERY TUESDAY)

During a series of visits to the area, Congressman John Shimkus stopped in Effingham Tuesday to visit Crisis Nursery.

Shimkus was intrigued by the agency, which provides temporary respite for children six and younger. He heard from Nursery Director Meghan Rewers about the work to care for kids regardless of the reason they are there. Sometimes it can be due to an accident that has left the parents indisposed, sometimes it's because the parents are in custody, and sometimes due to the parents simply needing to take a brief break from caregiving.

Rewers discussed funding sources, including the help provided by many groups and individuals in getting the Nursery established. She also discussed an eventual goal of establishing a nationwide series of Crisis Nurseries. There are seven such nurseries in Illinois as well as nurseries in the St. Louis area and in Wisconsin.

Rewers noted that Effingham is the smallest community to operate a Crisis Nursery, but said the community's size "helps us work together". She also discussed a working relationship with Effingham's Family Life Center, which offers programs she terms "learning pieces" and that help better equip parents.

Rewers remains as enthused about Crisis Nursery as ever, and loves the message the center teaches that "crisis knows no color or nationality".